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Project

Not A Hotel . Setouchi

- Japan

Three villas on Sagi Island offer panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, blending Scandinavian and Japanese design principles.

Aerial view of modern villas on a coastal hillside with circular designs and surrounding greenery.

Aerial view of a coastal area with modern villas integrated into the landscape. The villas have circular and curved designs, situated on a hilly terrain overlooking the sea. The surrounding area includes lush greenery and a winding road.

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Story

Not A Hotel . Setouchi

Blending Scandinavian and Japanese Design on Sagi Island Located on the remote Sagi Island in Japan, Not A Hotel . Setouchi is a luxury resort composed of three villas, each offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Designed by BIG in collaboration with the Japanese hospitality group NOT A HOTEL, the project is a testament to the harmonious relationship between Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies. The resort is situated on a 30,000 m² site and integrates seamlessly into the island's natural landscape, using local materials and traditional techniques. The villas, named ‘360,’ ‘270,’ and ‘180’ based on their respective views, are thoughtfully positioned to follow the island's natural contours. The '360' villa, located at the highest point, provides uninterrupted views in all directions and features a central courtyard. The '270' villa offers a 270-degree panorama and includes unique bathing spaces and a sauna. The '180' villa, closest to the sea, follows the coastline's curvature and includes an inner courtyard with seasonal foliage. Each villa draws inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, with elements like glass façades reminiscent of shoji screens and Genshoseki slate floors echoing tatami mats. The use of rammed earth walls, incorporating soil from the site, and solar-tiled roofs highlight the project's commitment to sustainability. Rainwater harvesting and passive cooling strategies further enhance the environmental integration.

Design Highlights

Villas named ‘360,’ ‘270,’ and ‘180’ for their panoramic views Integration of local materials and traditional Japanese techniques Glass façades and Genshoseki slate floors inspired by Japanese design Sustainable features: solar tiles, rainwater harvesting, passive cooling

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Sagi Island, Japan
Architect BIG
Year 2023
Site Area 30,000 m²
Number of Villas 3
Design Inspiration Scandinavian and Japanese

Technical summary

Updated 4/6/2026

Finishes

  • flooring: Genshoseki natural slate floors inspired by traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Materials

  • glass — façades and large windows to connect interior and exterior spaces.
  • clay — load-bearing curved walls using traditional rammed earth technique.
  • wood — ceilings and interior elements.
  • concrete — curved walls and structural elements.

Construction / Systems

  • structural system: Curved clay walls using rammed earth technique.
  • façade system: Glass façades inspired by shoji screens.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: calm, serene, natural tones
  • Lighting: soft and natural, with emphasis on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

Images

Aerial view of modern villas on a coastal hillside with circular designs and surrounding greenery.
Modern villa with curved roof near water and hills.
Modern villa with curved roof on hillside overlooking water and mountains.
Aerial view of a circular building with a central courtyard, surrounded by roads and natural landscape near a body of water.
Circular villa with glass windows and pool, featuring loungers on the deck.
Aerial view of a circular building with a central courtyard, pool, and seating area.
Circular architectural structure with wooden ceiling and glass panels, overlooking mountains and water.
Curved wooden ceiling with glass windows and an infinity pool overlooking a scenic landscape.
Curved concrete walls and a stone pathway with greenery leading to a sea view.
Modern villa with glass walls and wooden overhang, overlooking water and mountains at dusk, with infinity pool and lounge chairs.
Circular courtyard with curved concrete walls, a small tree, round cushioned seating, and a shallow pool.
Two people sitting around a circular firepit with wooden benches and trees nearby, against a building wall at twilight.
Circular seating area with fire pit surrounded by curved concrete walls and pool.
Circular outdoor seating area with fire pit, surrounded by trees and concrete walls, leading to a room with mountain view.
Interior with curved sofa, large windows overlooking the sea, wooden ceiling, and wall-mounted TV.
Interior of a modern villa with large glass windows, a wooden dining table, kitchen area, and circular seating, overlooking the sea and mountains.
Interior view of a bath area with dark stone tiles and large glass windows overlooking the sea and hills.
Modern dining area with panoramic window view of water and mountains.
Silhouettes of two people sitting at a table in a room with a view of mountains and water.
Curved concrete walls leading to a dining area with chairs, overlooking a landscape with mountains and water.
Modern bedroom with large glass windows overlooking water and mountains, featuring a platform bed and stone bathtub outside.
Bedroom with large window view of water and mountains.
Bedroom with large bed, wooden ceiling, glass wall with view of water and hills, and two lounge chairs outside.
Modern bedroom with large glass windows, wooden ceiling, and a bed with white linens.
Scale model of a landscape with circular architectural structures on a table, with a person seated nearby.
Minimalist workspace with curved concrete wall, wooden desk, black chair, and desk lamp.
A minimalist line drawing of a 90-degree angle with an arrow pointing downward, labeled '90° RESTAURANT'.
A black rectangle with an upward arrow above it and the text 'ONE DIRECTION' below.
Diagram of the 180° Villa with a U-shaped layout and arrows indicating directions.
Line drawing of a semi-circular shape with outward arrows, labeled '270° VILLA'.
Diagram of concentric circles with outward arrows, labeled '360° VILLA'.

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